headaches

[mike709]

I had decompression surgery on June 17 I'm still having a lot of headaches and neck stiffness I was just wondering if anyone else is experiences and if so there is anything else I can do the medicine is not seem to work for it also they feel better when I lay down any suggestions

[selmaS]

  U r right ...going to a Chiro can make things worse, especially if they manipulate ur neck and have no idea about Chiari and how the manipulation can aggravate it.

See a Chiari specialist to find ways to help once u have a Chiari DX.

[alipuc1985]

I read that if you have chiari to not have a chiro manipulate your neck. I saw a chiro prior to my diagnosis (saw him for about a month) and was noticing my symptoms got way worse! He said it was retracing and I'd feel worse before better. I now have stopped seeing him but unfortunately am only able to swallow liquids now due to the manipulations (swallowing was and is my primary issue). So just please be careful.

[watergirl24]

Would my neuro surgeon check for that (I have an appt Monday)? What is the testing?
MB

[Viva001]

Also, if you have dysautonomia, a lot of things can set it off.  Or nothing.

[selmaS]

  Oh Deff Yoga has many positions that puts ur head and neck in awkward positions....so it may compress it more by the way u move.

Keep in mind increasing ur heart rate can also cause more head pain....so I know what u r trying to do, but if u have an obstruction it may counter what u r trying to achieve.

[watergirl24]

Oh, okay. Just trying to do anything. I do walk on an elliptical. It seems like the only thing to do that doesn't aggravate. Even "gentle" yoga has many moves that are a problem, so I just use the elliptical to try to keep the heart rate to a decent number.

[selmaS]

  My NS had a PT see me while I was still in the hospital and I started doing them there.....

The exercises are for post op.,..not b4....these are designed to help prevent scar tissue from forming....and keep the muscles from getting tight.

So for now u should not do them;

[watergirl24]

Where do you get the exercises? A PT? My PCP wants me to go to PT, but I have seen so many places that say not to and my chiropractor (that found the chiari) said not to as we don't have any with knowledge of this within driving distance. He also said not to let anyone manipulate or handle my neck (I haven't had surgery yet-still deciding). But it seems if I could find the correct neck exercises it would help.

[Viva001]

I am about 1 yr. post op, and I notice that ANY stress or exertion will exacerbate HAs.  

As I said before, I think if I stubbed my toe, it would hurt my head.  ;)

[Mazie1209]

Hi Mike,
I am 3weeks post op today, I still have neck stiffness, it's better, but still stiff. I agree with Selma, heat packs helped alot, I do neck exercises to.  Headaches can come and go, I was told to expect them for a bit while healing.  I can't take pain meds due to getting sick, so I just take Motrin and use hot packs. Are u resting alot?
Hope ur feeling better,
Hugs
Mazie

[selmaS]

  Hi...sorry u r having issues....yes, I did have a stiff neck and using heat and then doing the neck exercises help with this.....I had a very pliable wrap that goes in the microwave that I could wrap around my neck and no more then 15 mins then I would do the exercises my Dr gave me, then 15 more mins of heat....this helps the muscles  from getting tight which can cause HA's.